Sustainable Polymers: From Synthesis to Functional Properties
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2021) | Viewed by 9125
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biodegradable and bio-based polymers; thermoplastic elastomers; biodegradation; tissue engineering; packaging, green energy storage, ion-exchange membranes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Plastics, due to their light weight, low cost, and suitable physic/mechanical features, represent the best material for a wide plethora of applications, such as packaging, automotive, electronics, and so on. However, their massive use, coupled with their resistance to biological attack, has led to the well-known environmental pollution and bioaccumulation problems that affect our planet today.
The development of greener polymeric systems is therefore needed not only for disposable applications, but also to obtain bioplastics capable of outperforming traditional fossil-based materials, thus supporting the transition towards a more sustainable future.
This Special Issue aims at covering different aspects of this research field to provide a useful insight into the latest developments and future trends. Main topics include but are not limited to:
- Innovative synthetic approaches towards sustainable polymers;
- Synthesis or post-functionalization of biopolymers both of natural and synthetic origin;
- Preparation of bio(nano)composites;
- Physic/mechanical characterization of biopolymers and biocomposites;
- Environmental applications, such as (food) packaging or mulching films;
- Sustainable polymers in personal and home care formulations;
- End-of-life evaluation, including composting, soil burial, and enzymatic hydrolysis tests;
- Life Cycle Analysis.
Authors are welcomed to submit their original work in the form of full papers, communications or up-to-date reviews.
Dr. Matteo Gigli
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- Synthesis and characterization of biopolymers
- Structure/property relationships
- Eco-friendly materials
- Biodegradability
- Life cycle assessment, carbon footprint
- Sustainable (food) packaging
- Biocomposites, bionanocomposites
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